Seeking out new software

Dec 10 2009 by Andrew Mernin, The Journal

Those who go through the process will walk away with a prototype or demonstrator to help them raise further investment or take their concept to market.

Mr Pernet said: “It’s an excellent method of bridging the innovation barrier between early stage ideas and capital investment and the project will also benefit regional software developers procured and paid to work with Codeworks DEV clients developing their concepts.”

One North East’s service sector manager Lynsey Robinson said: “Our research shows that North East England’s digital and creative sector has strong potential for growth, especially with the platform for further development provided by Codeworks.

“Sector growth will be primarily led by market demand and the project will give the agility needed to prototype new products at a low cost and expedite their successful launch.”

Software innovators who are able to access the DEV’s support do not have to look too far for inspiration to see the potential value of a useful IT product.

From humble beginnings, Newcastle’s Sage – which first floated on the London Stock Exchange in 1989 – has become a huge global success story on the back of its accountancy software, which is aimed largely at small and medium businesses.

Today it employs 13,900 people worldwide – including around 1,200 people at its North East headquarters.

North East England’s digital and creative sector has strong potential for growth